Lenten Worship

The Lenten season begins on Ash Wednes-day, March 1 with the imposition of ashes and holy communion served at 6 and 7 pm services. Lenten Suppers will be served from 5:15-6:30 – see page 8 for details.

In this 500th anniversary year of the Refor-mation, Luther’s Small Catechism will be our theme on Lenten Wednesday nights. A Lenten devotional on the Small Catechism, “Free Indeed,” will be available in the gathering space for your use. Holden Evening Prayer will be our Lenten liturgy.

MAP Survey

The MAP (Mission Assessment Profile) survey was launched on February 12 and will close on February 26. Once the results are compiled by Kairos & Associates, the Long Range Planning Team, Council, staff, and other key volunteers will meet with their consultant, Pastor Jana Swenson, on March 2 to learn the results.

The MAP results will be used by our other consulting firm, Vernon Research Group, to craft a more specific survey to our local community and congregation. The VRG survey is scheduled to launch on March 19 and close on April 9.

A letter from

Matt & Tammy Evans

Dear LCR Family,

It is with great hope and some sadness that we announce our resignation from the min-istry positions in which we serve, at the end of May. With “great hope” because this congregation is filled with angels car-rying out God’s work in amazing ways. This leads to His work and love being poured out here and throughout the com-munity and world. With that comes pas-sion and energy for the future. We believe it is time for new leadership in contempo-rary worship praise music (With Faith) and Children’s Ministry/Sunday School to journey on that path with you.

Also with “some sadness” because we will miss what we do here! Every week we are filled with joy because we see how the Ho-ly Spirit works to bring people together to make worship and youth discipleship on Sunday come alive. That will still happen and we will be grateful to watch it do so!

A new chapter in our lives is going to be here soon with Madeline’s graduation and going on to college (Go ISU!) We look forward to weekends visiting her and Noah and Samantha as their lives prayerfully continue to blossom.

Inside this Issue

Adult Faith .............. 5

Youth Ministry…..... 4

Confirmation……… 9

Council News.......... 11

EDGE Youth……… 9

Fellowship……...….. 8

Ministry .................. 3

Prayers .................. 10

Stewardship………. 11

Wee Wisdom........... 8

Worship .................. 2

Volume 58: Issue 3 March 2017 Lutheran Church of the Resurrection

Talk Cross

Thank you to all of the many friends who have worked alongside us in this kingdom for His glory. That has truly been our most beautiful blessing. Here’s to the future and all that our good and gra-cious God has in store!

Loving Jesus Together With You - Matt & Tammy Evans

Stories of Life-Change

During this next season of Lent (40 days beginning with Ash Wednesday worship, including confession and dis-tribution of ashes on March 1st), we will hear Life-Changing stories as people encounter Jesus Christ. On Sun-days we will hear of Nicodemus, the woman from Samaria, the healing of the man born blind, and the raising of Lazarus. Stories of Jesus reaching out to those within the religious organization, reaching out to those who were from outside or whom were outcast. Stories of Jesus’ healing actions and words of salvation. These are moving and powerful stories of lives being changed when encountering Jesus. They are stories of redemption, revelation, and conversion. Jesus still reaches out, meets us, and brings about transformation and faith. As we hear these stories, we are reminded of our own encounters with Jesus - our own stories of life-change.

Sunday, March 5 – Trusting God and God’s Word Preacher: Pastor Miranda Today we hear about when Jesus encounters the Tempter, who tries to split Jesus off from his relationship with his Father, attempting to break Jesus away from trusting in his Father’s good care and Word. We, too, can be faced with forces that try to split us off from God. Jesus conquers each temptation by using a resource available to us all, God’s Word. Jesus’ words and actions of trust can strengthen us in our life relationship with God.

Sunday, March 12 – Seeking New Birth Preacher: Pastor Dennis Today’s story of Nicodemus seeking out Jesus in the night and their conversation about new birth reminds us of how we can be born anew in the waters of baptism and in encounters along life’s road with the Holy Spirit.

Sunday, March 19 – Known and Loved Preacher: Pastor Miranda A woman’s life is transformed as she encounters Jesus and comes to understand the power of being known and loved by him. Jesus offers her grace, love, and truth. Our lives, too, can be transformed by the power of being known and loved by Jesus. Jesus knows everything about you; and, still, he offers you grace and love today.

Sunday, March 26 – Light of the World Preacher: Pastor Dennis Today’s gospel from John 9 tells of Jesus restoring a blind man’s sight so he can move toward clear eyed disci-pleship. We too can move from darkness into the light of faith as we say with the blind man, ”Lord, I believe.”

Seminary Intern Update

Pastor Dennis was at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN on February 21-22 to meet 4 potential candidates who signed up for an interview on campus. Internship placements are announced on April 7. If we are matched with an intern, we will need to organize an Intern Committee to oversee details like housing and to be a source of sup-port and feedback for the candidate. We’ll keep you posted as the process moves along.

Galileans

The Galileans invite any woman who enjoys singing and would like to be a part of a wonderful small group to join us on Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm. We meet throughout the school year. You don’t have to be Celine Dion

to join us! Just be able to hold a tune and love praising God in song. Contact Barb Ha-zelton if you have any questions: 721-1668

2

Worship

Average Worship Attendance

February 426 Year to Date 433

3

Serving at Lenten Services

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 1st, with ser-vices at 6:00 and 7:00 pm. 6 pm service helpers needed are: March 15 & 22 - 2 ushers, 1 reader; March 29 & April 1 - 4 ushers, 1 reader. 7 pm service helpers needed are: March 15, 22, 29, April 1 - 4 ushers, 1 reader, 1 PowerPoint, acolytes, offering assistants

Lenten suppers will be served from 5:15 till 6:30 pm. A listing of the meal items and who is serving is on the right side of the calendar page. Hope to see you at the services and meals!

CrossRoads / Mission of Hope

The bins under the coatrack in the gathering space are used for collecting items for CrossRoads /Mission of Hope. These items are taken down every Wednesday. These missions offer free meals, food pantry items, clothing, shelter, support services, worship, and bible Studies. Mission of Hope is located at 1700 B Ave. NE in Cedar Rapids and CrossRoads is at 1006-2nd St. SW in Cedar Rapids.

Items needed for the pantry include paper products (diapers, wipes, toilet paper), canned meats, fruits, and vegetables, soap, etc. Thanks you to everyone for their contributions.

Mission of Hope Lunch Program

As a follow-up to last fall's Loving Generously stew-ardship videos, we will be serving a noon meal on Thursday, April 6 to the clients of Mission of Hope in Cedar Rapids. We have been approved for a $250 Thrivent grant to help purchase the food for the meal. Our initial plan is to do this every other month at Mis-sion of Hope. If you would be interested in helping by cooking food, serving on the lunch line, or in some oth-er way, contact Marcia Edwards or Linda Schminke.

Ministry Time and Talent

Time and Talent Sunday was February 12. We still need everyone to fill out a sheet. They are available at the Welcome Center or on the website. If you are planning on keeping everything the same as last year please take a sheet and write “same” on it, along with your name. There are some new offerings that you should check out. There is also a sheet with serving opportunities for the youth. We hope everyone is able to take advantage of these opportunities.

Medical Lending Library

We have a good variety of items that people can use after they have surgery or have some other medical needs. There are crutches, canes, walkers, bath and toilet helps, and other things that could be useful. Let us know if you are in need of any of these. They are kept here in the church.

March-April Mission Envelopes

During the season of Lent, we will join our fellow ELCA congregations in the ELCA World Hunger ‘40 Days of Giving’ emphasis. Our mission envelope gifts in March and April will be sent to this project.

This is a special opportunity for us to come together to lift up the church’s hunger and poverty ministry. Today, 1 in 9 people face hunger worldwide and 1 in 7 live in extreme poverty. As members of the Evan-gelical Lutheran Church in America, we are called to respond. In this 500th anniversary of the Refor-mation, we will call to mind Martin Luther’s concern for the poor of his day and his call for economic jus-tice. Your gifts to ELCA World Hunger through our mission envelopes will help our global family earn a fair, sustainable living with dignity.

4

Sunday School Sunday School Director &

Co-Director of Children’s Ministries Tammy Evans

tammy@lcrmarion.org

Wednesday Night Live A fellowship and service opportunity

for all 3rd - 5th grade students.

March 8th—Lent Meal We will be serving Tacos! All proceeds will go to our shopping trip for CrossRoads Mission in the Spring. Look for an email sign up for supplies and work shifts.

NO REGULAR WNL

during Lent.

WNL Director & Co-Director of

Children’s Ministries Jill Hansen

jill@lcrmarion.org

SAVE THE DATES!!! Saturday, April 8th: EASTER EGG HUNT

All are welcome, and help is too! June 13-16:

Preschool/Kindergarten Vacation Bible School

July 10-14: Elementary Day Camp with EWALU counselors!

Sunday, February 19th was Sunday School’s Take Away Hunger Service Day! A fun time was enjoyed by children ages 4 through senior!!! Elementary age classes also worked on a variety of other service projects that day as well including sorting eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt, making birth-day cards for youth cancer patients through the Confeeti Foundation.

Adult Faith Development Adult Opportunities in March

There are many ways you can grow in faith and friendship with others from LCR! In celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, we will offer courses on Sundays related to Martin Luther and the Reformers.

♦ Reformation Roots - This 8 session video class meets on Sundays at 9:45 in the far end of fellowship hall. Lutheran scholars will present the life and legacy of Martin Luther amid the turbulent times of the Protestant Reformation. Topics in March will be: 3/5: From Heretic to Hero 3/12: From Scholar to Father: The Domestic Luther 3/19: From Simple to Complex: The New Church Finds Common Ground 3/26: Luther’s Legacy

♦ Sunday morning bible study meets on Sunday mornings at 9:45 with a look at the biblical characters of Samuel and David; contacts - Jim & Linda Cornally.

♦ Women’s Circles - Lively discussion using studies from a variety of interesting sources. Rebecca Mary Martha Circle - first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 in the fellowship hall; contact - Harriet Van Gilder. JAM Bible Study - second Monday of each month at 1:00 in the church lounge; contact - Marcie Vogel.

♦ Biblical Fellowship - Mixed bible study on 3rd Tuesday of each month at 2:00 pm in fellowship hall;

contact - Charlie Clauss.

♦ Brewing Up the Bible will not meet during March. Please watch this space for our plans in April. Join us at Louie’s Scoreboard (740-10th Ave. in Marion) on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm for fellowship, scripture, and adult beverages if desired. If you have any questions, contact - Ramon (malinon@gmail.com).

♦ Small Group Offerings - Check out the Pathways Small Group display in the Gathering Space for details of groups that cover a wide range of topics.

New Member “Coffee with the Pastors” in April

We have heard from people over the years that they were unable to attend our six-week new member class on Sunday mornings for various reasons. So we’ve adopt-ed a new, simpler way to meet with folks interested in learning about membership at LCR. On Sunday afternoon, April 2, from 2-4, Pastor Dennis and Pastor Mi-randa will be available for coffee and conversation with anyone wanting to learn about who we are, why we exist, and what we’re about. We’ll tour the building, meet some staff, learn about our five purposes, hear about our Marks of Disciple-ship, and listen to your stories.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Stephen Ministry in Our Congregation

Through Stephen Ministry, congregation members receive training to provide emotional and spiritual care to people experiencing tough challenges in life. We are gathering a group together to be trained as Stephen Ministers here at LCR. For those who want to come alongside and support others in a more intentional way, this ministry may be for you. You would receive 50 hours of training (practical, hands-on learning) in order to pro-vide Christ-centered care. You will use the skills you learn not only in your caring minis-try but also in your relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. You will also be helped and supported in your ministry by a team of Stephen Leaders, who will help you grow as you help others. For more information or to learn how you can become a Stephen Minister, contact Pastor Miranda at 815-291-5793 or miranda@lcrmarion.org

5

8

WEE WISDOM Fellowship Lenten Suppers

Thanks to the following groups who will serve our Wednesday Lenten suppers from 5:15-6:30:

♦ March 1 - EDGE, potato bar ♦ March 8 - Wednesday Night Live, taco bar ♦ March 15- staff, pizza ♦ March 22 - confirmation small groups, chili ♦ March 29 - EDGE, spaghetti ♦ April 5 - Wee Wisdom, meatball subs

Your freewill offerings at these suppers help support mis-sion efforts by our groups, such as the EDGE mission trip this summer to Washington DC; Wednesday Night

Live’s shopping trip to benefit the Crossroads Mission Food Pantry; and Wee Wisdom’s gift to Camp Ewalu.

Phyllis Gordon Open House

Phyllis will be celebrating her 80th birthday on Sunday, March 26 here at Resurrection from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. All Resurrection friends are welcome to join the party. No gifts, please.....just come and enjoy yourself!

Phyllis Bishop Open House

Come help Phyllis celebrate her 90th birthday on Sunday, March 12 at Village Ridge (next to Thomas Park). Phyl-lis will be welcoming guests from 1:30 to 3:00 pm. She would be thrilled to see her Resurrection friends! If you can’t come in person, you can send her a card at: 365 Marion Blvd. #214, Marion IA 52302.

Thrivent “Choice Dollars”

Choice Dollars are a fantastic way for Thrivent members to direct charitable funds to action events that improve life in our community. In 2016, Resurrection members with Thrivent accounts directed $1,942! You can still add to this total until March 31st. Contact Linda Erlandson for details.

Have You Seen Sam Disney??

Eccentric, reclusive millionaire, Sam Disney, wants to give you some of his millions! Attend LCR's mystery dinner on Saturday, April 1st at 6:00 pm to find out more.

Easter Egg Hunt

On Saturday afternoon, April 8, the fellowship commit-tee will host an Easter Egg Hunt. If you want to help the Easter Bunny hide all those eggs, contact Shelly Beaver.

Wee Wisdom News

The current learning unit involves the theme of space.

Yes, this is a live space station full of future astronauts and engineers!

� � � � �

Valentines Day preparations and

celebrations helped us remember that

we get to be a good friend to have one!

Wee Wisdom will be serving up a delicious meal at the Lenten supper on April 5th. Come and enjoy meatball subs, salads, and desserts! Proceeds will go to help pay for new mulch on the playground and toward their project with Heifer International

again this year. Come and join us please! REGISTRATION for 2017-18 school year is full. A Wait List has been started for both the two and three day programs.

Spring Playground Clean up day will be in March. Every year we are required to make sure there is a certain depth of mulch on our playground

and since we all enjoy it, everyone is welcome! Date coming soon – please watch the bulletin.

Wish List: Connect Four, Monopoly Jr, Lite Brite, and yes… an electric typewriter!

www.weewisdommarion.org Registration for 2016-17 is full,

but there is a waiting list. CONTACT

WeeWisdom@lcrmarion.org or 377-4689 Shelly Beaver & Michelle Heidelbauer

EDGE Youth

Confirmation Discipleship Training, Prayer, Fun, & Friendship for 6th-8th graders!

Wednesdays 7:00-8:15 pm

9

Worshipping Together During Lent:

March 1st @ 6:00 or 7:00 Worship for Ash Wednesday as a family

March 8th, 15th, 22nd, & 29th Worship together as a family for

Wednesday Lenten Worship @ 6:00 or 7:00

8th Grade Retreat at Ewalu: March 25th & 26th – (12pm-12pm) 8th graders will spend the night up at EWALU to enjoy God’s

creation and work on their faith statements.

Alternate Retreat for 6th, 7th, and 8th Dirty Feet Retreat at Ewalu March 31–April 2

Register at www.ewalu.org

Thursday Service Nights at Summit Pointe 7:00-8:15 pm (Meet and pick up at church)

We will volunteer for Game Nights with Seniors You are welcome to come to more than one night if you would like more service hours.

• Thursday, March 9th: 8th Grade Service Night

• Thursday, March 23rd: 7th Grade Service Night

• Thursday, March 30th: 6th Grade Service Night

Service Opportunity: Confirmation Serves the Lenten Meal on March 22nd:

Sign up at to help at http://signup.com/go/2uVx7J

There are no regular Confirmation nights during Lent

March 1st: Luke Sloterdyk & Ethan Schmidt, The Beatitudes March 8th: Nate Mentzer, Fear

March 15th: Spring Break, No EDGE March 22nd: Kyle Schrader & Ben Duhn, Trials March 29th: Colin Aschbrenner & Jon Wisner

During Lent, our students take the stage and teach topics of their choosing!

EDGE Lenten Dinners!

March 1st: Potato Bar March 29th: Spaghetti

Prayers

Prayers are

requested

for:

Those hospitalized in February: Marj Chappell, Wayne Mase, Lyle Bischof, Terry Van Gilder, Myrna Springer Those dealing with, or recovering from, illness or surgery: (Resurrection members) Rachel Duhn, Dan Tegtmeier, Pat Duwe, Ruth Warnke, Terri Spear, Dee Young, Eldon Jacobsen, Vera Olson, Pam Miller, John Dolphin, John Wil-kinson, Noel Motter, Arvis Hahn, Phyllis Melchert, Orval Spilde, Kay Clauss, Dorothy Rinderknecht.

(Family and friends of our members) Joe Schrader, Denise Schoby, Anita Hesse, Gina Lestina, Matt Cook, Angie Hanley, Wyatt, Hemphill, Ione Spilde Nesteby, Carolyn Spilde, Jon Forsythe, W.C. Behm & family, Ruth Ann Stai, Dona Immer-fall, Melody Falco, Aaron Pacholke, Dennis Pe-tersen, Mike Burbach, Scott Francik, Grandma Lovseth, Lois Pastor, Mariann Keith, Paul Whitmore, Jeff Law, Lorraine Ruka, Terry Vermeer, Jake Dibel, Carl & Marge Richardson, Pat Eisen-traut, Arlene Hediger. Those living in care facilities: Aloha Franklin (Bickford Cottage), Edna Miller (Emery Place), Esther Burrack, Betty Novotny, Fer-rel Brandt (Linn Manor), Evelyn Holm, Virginia Smart (Winslow House), Phyllis Bishop (Village Ridge), Millie Fuller (Keystone), Bob & Jan Ber-ridge (Garnett Place)

Those in military service: Jacob Kriegel, Haley Eickstaedt, Thomas Mastrod-di, Donnie Hartman, Will Fritz, Steve Fritz, Bill Heil, Marissa Whitney, Aaron Moose, Eric Krause, An-drew Sawyer, Chrystal & Paul McDonough, Todd Kopperud, Alec Belin, Dillon Peyton, Mickey Ka-cena, Steven Anderson, Michael Berridge, David Berridge, Matthew Courter, Nate Hatch, James Vick, Adam Eilers, Andrew Zimmerman, Caleb Re-dell, Alex Bruce, Todd Christopherson, Nicholas Eilers, Matthew Clark, Joe Hollister, Brad Kielty, Anthony Martin, Matt Carson Those who rejoice: • DuWayne & Linda Schminke on their 55th wedding anniversary • Jeremy & Kristina Backes on the baptism of Blakely Backes on Feb. 5th • Jesse & Miranda Klosterboer on the baptism of Micah Klosterboer on Feb. 12th • Megan & Seth Thomas on the birth of a son,

Marshall Thomas, on Jan. 23rd • Denny & Julie Gilds on the birth of a grandson,

Lincoln Davis, on Feb. 11th • Hannah & Kyle Gorres on the baptism of Peyton Gorres on Feb. 19th • Justin & Sarah Kaspryk on the baptism of Cavan Kaspryk on Feb. 19th Those who mourn: • Nancy & Jerry Buck on the death of Nancy’s

mother, Evelyn Ernst, on Feb. 15th.

10

Please let the office know about prayer needs or when you wish to have a name removed.

The names of friends and family who are dealing with illness will be listed for 2 months.

Treasurer's Report for January 2017

January Year to Date General Fund Receipts $ 66,348 $ 66,348 General Fund Expenses $ 54,413 $ 54,413 Cash Balances 1/31/17 1/31/16 General Fund $ 45,869 $ 55,898 Clearing Accounts $ 74,149 $ 76,969 Building Fund $ 42,107 $ 56,901

The Church Council is meeting for their annual retreat on Saturday, Feb. 25 – which is after you receive this Crosstalk in the mail or online. We will print the February minutes in the April Crosstalk.

Annual Meeting Highlights

The annual meeting of LCR was held on Sunday, January 29 at 12:15. There were 45 confirmed members in attendance. Reports were given and approved from the Secretary and Treasurer. President Dave Stadt-mueller gave his report, as did the pastors. A report from the Long Range Planning Team was given. Sur-veys conducted by our two consult-ants – Kairos and VRG – will begin later in February. All confirmed mem-

bers are encouraged to participate. They will be available both online and in paper form at the Welcome Center. A letter and email outlining the pro-cess went out in early February to all confirmed members and friends of LCR who are regular attenders.

Committee reports were reviewed, as well as an update on our 5 year vision goals. The Nominating Committee’s candidates were approved as follows: Council – Maryann Wegener, Jamie Reider, Alan Garlow; Auditing – Andy Johnson; Trust Fund – Larry Edwards, Joan Meyer; Nominating – Dave Stadtmueller.

A 2017 budget of $711,315 was ap-proved. Annual reports are available at the welcome center window.

Church Council

Building Fund Update

Building Fund gifts through 1/31/17 $13,284

2017 Building Fund pledges through January $16,668

Offerings received toward those pledges $12,814

% of pledges received in cash 77%

Mortgage Balance on 1/31/17 $105,521

As we enter the Lenten season on Ash Wednesday, remember to use your purple envelopes to support various mission partners through the General Fund. 100% of your gifts will be sent to partners such as: ♦ Local ministries – Marion Cares, Mission

of Hope/Crossroads, Linn County Jail Chaplaincy, EWALU

♦ State and Global Ministries – Wartburg Seminary; Lutheran Campus Ministries

at ISU, UNI and Iowa; ELCA missionar-

ies Jackie and Patrick Bencke in Kuma-moto, Japan; and Lutheran Services in

Iowa

Thanks for your faithful support!

Stewardship

Simply Giving & PayPal

Simply Giving is a systematic way of being a good steward. You can elect to have a weekly or monthly gift withdrawn from your checking or savings account. This makes it simple for you to give, and benefits LCR by having a steady income stream year-round. Enrollment forms are in the info rack by the Welcome Center. On our website there is a PayPal ‘Donate’ button you can click on to support LCR if that way of giving works best for you.

Offering Envelopes

If you are friend of LCR or regular attender and would like to support LCR by using offering envelopes, email us at office@lcrmarion.org or call 377-4689.

11